Clayton welcomes new city manager

On Nov. 5, the City Council concluded the city manager hiring process and unanimously approved Ikani Taumoepeau for the job.

When city manager Gary Napper announced his July retirement, the council was tasked with finding a new leader for the first time in 18 years.

The process started in June with the engagement of a recruitment firm. Much of the work happened in closed sessions due to legal requirements, however, the entire five-member council participated.

The city received 33 applications, including many from extremely well-qualified candidates. The City Council met in closed session to review all 33 applications and narrowed it down to a handful of candidates for in-person interviews.

In early October, the council spent an entire Friday in closed session interviewing candidates, including re-interviewing the top two candidates later in the afternoon. After completion of background checks, the full council discussed the top candidates. After extensive deliberation, the council authorized me to extend an employment offer to, and negotiate an employment contract with, Taumoepeau.

At the Nov. 5 meeting, the council was finally allowed to public disclose our next city manager. If you watch the video (accessible from the city’s website), you will see that all council members were excited about his Dec. 9 start date.

When I spoke with Taumoepeau, he shared with me that he is “incredibly excited about the opportunity to work in one of the best communities in the entire state and help it become even better, with the community’s help.”

Taumoepeau, a Bay Area native, is the current assistant city manager for Santa Paula in Southern California. We may see him at the Dec. 7 holiday tree lighting ceremony. Please join me in welcoming him and his family to Clayton.

United Against Hate

At the Nov. 5 meeting, my City Council colleagues voted with me to support United Against Hate Week on Nov. 17-23. We join many other Bay Area communities in embracing the strength of diversity and helping be part of building inclusive and equitable communities. I first heard about the campaign at last month’s Contra Costa Mayors Conference and wanted to bring the item to my colleagues as a policy statement that Clayton does not tolerate prejudice, racism, bigotry, hatred, bullying or violence toward any group in our community. I am proud that all of my council colleagues voted in favor of the resolution.

Chickens are welcome, too

It may seem a bit surprising that Clayton has not allowed the keeping of chickens, but we will soon. The council recently approved an amendment to our municipal code to allow hens, but not roosters, in residential properties, subject to some restrictions. Chickens must be generally contained within an enclosure that is set back at least 50 feet from the front property line and 10 feet from side and rear property lines. Residents are allowed to have up to one hen per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area, but no more than 10 hens.

Contact Mayor Catalano at catalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano for more updates.

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